Notebook: Nowak is out of his mind right now, honoring our guys & Etch this weekend, former Revs figure prominently in PCL Playoffs

It happens every so often; so many York Revolution tidbits pile up in my head, that I have trouble sleeping. Here’s a few miscellaneous things to pass along to tide you over until the Revolution return from this road trip:

Chris Nowak has now homered in four consecutive games, another Revolution franchise record to his name. He’s homered in five of the last six games as well, blasting six homers in those six games. Nowak has extended his already single-season franchise record to 31 homers this season, and now has a six homer lead…over himself…after his 25 a season ago. And there’s still 13 games to go. It’s the most home runs in an Atlantic League season since Jesse Hoorelbeke smashed 33 for Bridgeport in 2007. Hoorelbeke is now independent baseball’s all-time home run leader, setting the mark earlier this year with Somerset. His 20 bombs this season make for 169 total in his time with Fargo-Moorhead, Bridgeport and Somerset. Even with 13 games to go Nowak can’t catch single-season Atlantic League record holder Ozzie Canseco, who hit 48 dingers in 2000 for Newark. That number was certainly helped by the bandbox that is Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. And if you want to infer based on Ozzie’s last name that he had some more “help” in addition to the small ballpark to set that basically untouchable record, well then feel free to do so.

Before Saturday night’s game against Somerset, there will be a short pre-game ceremony to recognize the Revolution’s 2012 MVP, and their 2012 Community Outreach Player of The Year. While the commemorative plaques are already in production, we can’t announce the winners just yet, guess you’ll have to come to the game. The recognition will happen just before the game, so don’t be late! If you can’t make it Saturday, we’ll of course post the winners here on the blog.

Before Sunday’s game against Somerset, there will be a little longer ceremony to recognize Etch’s contributions to the Revolution, as his retirement approaches. There may be a surprise or two for him, so if you love Etch (and honestly, who doesn’t) make sure you’re in your seat just before game time at 2 p.m. that day as well.

It’s highly unlikely that 2011 postseason hero Lorenzo Barcelo, who helped pitch York to their second championship, will be returning to the Revolution this season. He came to the Revs from the Mexican League last season, but this season was picked up by the Dodgers following the season in Mexico, to help their Triple-A club in Albuquerque for their postseason run. Barcelo appeared in relief in one regular season game for them, before pitching the final three innings in relief and earning the win in Game 4 of their first round series against Omaha (Royals), which forced a decisive Game 5. Omaha won Game 5 to advance to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series against Reno (Diamondbacks) who have former Revs reliever Mike DeMark. Another former Rev, Scott Rice, did his part as well despite Albuquerque coming up short, he earned the save in Game 2, a two-inning save at that. DeMark tossed a scoreless inning of relief in Reno’s Game 2, 1-0 loss to Sacramento (Athletics). Reno too needed all five games to get past Sacramento in what has been a thrilling PCL postseason thus far. In each series, each winning club took Game 1 and alternated wins and losses with their opponent through Game 5. Now that Albuquerque’s season is over, we’re still holding out hope Rice gets called up by LA to make his MLB debut. DeMark still may have a shot with Arizona to make his debut as well before September ends, once Reno is finished. Shawn Hill is still waiting as well with the Blue Jays, now that his Triple-A season in Las Vegas has come to a close. CLICK HERE to track the PCL Playoffs.